Greg Hinz On Politics

Rauner names Democrats, Cubs star as Order of Lincoln honorees

Who says Gov. Bruce Rauner is an unbending zealot who can't play politics?

The Rauner-controlled Lincoln Academy of Illinois today unveiled its list of 2017 Order of Lincoln honorees, the state's "highest honor for professional achievement and public service," according to a statement from the governor, and least a couple of Democrats and a former Cubs star are among the winners.

Getting the honor are former ComEd CEO Frank Clark, a longtime backer and funder of Democratic causes and one of Chicago's better known African-Americans; Chicago banker and philanthropist Harrison Steans, the father of state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, and legendary Cubs second baseman Ryne Sanberg.

Recipients perhaps more in tune with Rauner's own politics are attorney and former Civic Committee chief R. Eden Martin, money manager and philanthropist Richard Driehaus and Sam Skinner, one-time chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush. Also on the list is U.S. District Court Judge James Holderman.

No one named Madigan is on the list. But perhaps Rauner will get to him or her next year.